Vanuatu players, staff, and directors were honoured to spend time with one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport when Sir Richard Hadlee took time out of his short stay in Port Vila to share his insights on the game on Saturday afternoon.
The former NZ all-rounder, who amassed 431 wickets – the first player to take 400 Test scalps – has received numerous awards and accolades for his achievements on and off the field, including an MBE awarded by Queen Elizabeth II, and a knighthood, amongst others.
Hadlee spoke at length about his journey and some of the experiences that shaped his glittering career, setting out his approach to becoming successful in the sport.
The 72-year-old then stayed on after the formalities to watch some of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match between Australia and New Zealand currently being played in India, sharing further stories and anecdotes with the enthralled audience of VCA officials.
VCA High Performance Manager Chris Laffan said: “Having Sir Richard Hadlee available for our Under 19 representatives and contracted men in such an intimate setting was invaluable.
“It was a great opportunity for our playing group who range in experience, to hear what it takes to become dominant at the highest level - particularly from a preparation and persistence point of view,” Laffan concluded.
Sir Richard, along with his wife Lady Dianne Hadlee, were guests of the Carbine Club who brought the International Cricket Council Hall of Famer to Vanuatu to speak to a 200-plus crowd at the convention centre for the Club’s “Sports Charity Evening” last Friday, sharing the stage with fellow New Zealander, former professional fighter, Mark Hunt.
The VCA would like to thank the Carbine Club of Vanuatu for their continued support of sports in the local community.
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